AirSense 10 AutoSet humidifier

[SleepyBobR]

I have been using a ResMed S8 Elite for several years and am now moving up to an AirSense 10 AutoSet. I don't use the humidifier on my S8 as it causes congestion even when run with with water but no heat so I just removed it and put it away (it doubles the size of the S8 machine). My intention is to use the new S10 the same way, without humidification. When I asked the DME about this they told me that I must use the humidifier. Further, they said I should not be using my S8 without humidification as it will dry out my sinuses etc. In my opinion this is ridiculous advice as I have never had any problem running without humidification and I have no intention of starting now. I understand that the humidifier is integrated in the S10 machines and can't be removed but is it ok to run it dry with the heat turned off? That's all I want to know. DME says I must have water in the machine but can run it with the heat turned off. Is this true or are they wrong about this (as they have been with so many other things)? Thanks for your help.

[grayghost4]

yes you can use it without watter with heat off ... OR ....

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... cover.html

[Pugsy]

You can use the machine without water in the chamber as long as no heat is applied. Won't hurt a thing.
There is a plate available by separate purchase to totally eliminate the humidifier chamber if you want to go that route but if you don't....as long as no heat is applied to the water chamber it hurts nothing.
If heat is applied without water...the plastic stinks.

Here's the plate. Your DME could get this for you if they would but it sounds like they won't.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... cover.html

[SleepyBobR]

That was fast! Thanks for the replies.

[OkyDoky]

They even make a side cover where you can remove your humidifier. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... cover.html
And if you just want to turn off the humidifier here is a link to the clinical manual that tells you how to make those changes. https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf

[SewTired]

Most of the DMEs do not carry the plate AND it is not covered by insurance, so just order it from an online retailer (cpap.com for instance!).

[iflyvfr]

Most of the DMEs do not carry the plate AND it is not covered by insurance, so just order it from an online retailer (cpap.com for instance!).

Yep, I was going camping and wanted to prolong battery life so I bought the side plate and left the humidification chamber behind. The side plate worked as intended, no issues. Enjoy!

[bay123]

ResMed Side Cover for AirSense 10 & AirCurve 10 $14.99
https://www.sleepdirect.com/resmed-side ... ircurve-10

SIDE COVER FOR AIRSENSE 10, AIRSTART 10 & AIRCURVE CPAP MACHINES $14.45
http://www.directhomemedical.com/resmed ... EYqivkrJEY

[Janknitz]

The real rub is that you have to pay separately for the damn humidifier you never intend to use.

I've been bad lately about keeping my humidifier full. It regularly runs dry. I don't notice anything.

[SleepyBobR]

I got an AirSense 10 AutoSet machine on loan yesterday and used it for the first time last night. I discussed the humidifier issue with them and was told that I could turn the humidifier off but would then have to use the regular hose instead of the heated climate control hose. With that, I agreed to use the humidifier, set to 2 and the heat at 23C (I think). The manual isn't very clear on any of this and I haven't really played with the settings yet to get a feel for how this all works. Was she correct about having to use the unheated hose with the humidifier turned off?

After one night's use with this machine I am impressed. It is very quiet and smooth and comfortable. I could hardly tell it was even running when I first turned it on. I had no real issues with my old machine but this new one is definitely better. I slept really well and had no problem with congestion using the humidifier as set above. I'm very pleased.

Now I'm wondering about accessing efficacy data. There is an on-screen Sleep Report but it only shows usage hours, and smiley faces for mask seal and humidifier. I know this machine records everything but I'm not seeing much. Can the on-screen report be configured somehow to show more information? AHI and other event data would be nice. I know I can get SleepyHead to make reports and I will do so but I'd still like to be able to get a quick look at my data from the on-screen Sleep Report if that is possible. Where can I find the SleepyHead software? There's also the myAir report but I was told not to use it. The machine is set to Airplane mode. What is the process for getting this feature working? If I turn it on will the machine access the cellular network (no wireless?) and upload data? If so, where do I find it? There must be a registration process. Is there a fee for this service?

Sorry for these questions. I have tried getting answers from searching the forum but I didn't really get anywhere.

[Pugsy]

Here's the clinical manual
https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf

To get the on screen data you have to change a setting in the clinical menu (the manual explains how to get there)
for Essentials to "Plus".

SleepyHead software
https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/

I am pretty sure that you can use the heated hose to warm the air and not have heat be applied to the water chamber.
Once you figure out how to get into the clinical setup menu you can try it to see if the machine will do it.
Turn the humidifier off and still have the heated hose temps available to choose from.

[OkyDoky]

I looked up in the manual and it says:
In Climate Control Manual, the Tube Temperature and the Humidity Level can be set independently however, rainout protection is not guaranteed.